Suarez, who is expected to miss Uruguay's first game after undergoing keyhole surgery in May, had an impressive season at Anfield, scoring 33 Premier League goals, reigniting talk of a move to the Bernabeu.

But Forlan, who expects the 27-year-old to recover in time to make a similar impact in Brazil, has dismissed the speculation.

"Luis Suarez is much better," he told Goal.

World Cup 2014: Uruguay team guide

World Cup 2014: Uruguay team guide

1/5
How They Qualified

Uruguay might have triumphed 3-2 against Argentina in their final qualifying game in Montevideo, but it wasn't enough to lift them into the top four and automatic World Cup qualification, ultimately finishing fifth in the South American group. Their record was decidedly average having won only seven of their 16 games. They lost five in total including a critical dip in away form which saw four demoralising defeats on the road. However, La Celeste are never more dangerous than when they have their backs to wall, showing considerable strength of character to win the two crucial successive away fixtures against the teams directly below them in the table, Venezuela and Peru. With Luis Suarez topping the South America goalscoring charts on eleven goals, (one ahead of Lionel Messi) a 5-0 win over Jordan in Amman in the first leg of the World Cup qualification play-off ensured their ticket to Brazil.

2/5
Manager

After months of tactical indecision through a run which saw them play six qualifying games without a win, Oscar Tabarez shrewdly returned to basics. If he can harness Uruguay's fighting spirit whilst keeping their discipline, hopes of clinching a third World Cup - at the scene of their second victory on Brazilian soil in 1950 - will rise.

3/5
Star Player

With a forward line consisting of the Luis Suarez, PSG’s £50 million man Edinson Cavani and an experienced Diego Forlan as back-up, Uruguay should score plenty. With 38 goals in 77 appearances for his country, Suarez is the the main threat, though he underwent keyhole surgery in May and faces a race to make the World Cup opener. His pace, technique and anticipation, allied to his strength and finishing ability, make him the complete centre-forward. With a catalogue of controversies hopefully behind him, keeping his emotions in check could be crucial to Uruguay’s chances.

4/5
Emerging Talent

Abel Hernández, 23, has pace to burn, is good in the air and has a great technique. The striker has already netted seven goals in 11 games for Uruguay, including becoming only the fourth player in Confederations Cup history to hit four goals in one match. Hernandez has been at Palermo since 2009, and could be the man to replace Luis Suarez as the Liverpool forward races for fitness.

5/5
Probable Line-up: 4-3-3

"He is taking steps to recover well and hopefully he recovers well and will be ready to play.

"Suarez is very happy at Liverpool. All you hear are rumours for now. If at any time he signs for Real Madrid, I will talk about it then."

The former Manchester United man is confident Uruguay can make an impression at the World Cup, having reached the third-place play-off four years ago.

"We have an aura," he added.

"Uruguay historically has won many titles [winning the World Cup in 1930 and 1950] but in recent decades was lost that aura. After how the World Cup in South Africa turned out, we gained belief in the team and reaffirmed the following year with the Copa America title.

"In South Africa we had a tough group. We were with the hosts, as well as France and Mexico, two very strong teams. This group is also strong, but we are in a World Cup and we have to play against the best.

"Playing a World Cup is spectacular. You remember when you were little. When you sing the anthem, when you see people in the stands or your friends at home getting ready to watch the game, it's something unique."